The Saturday Night Live (SNL) cold open featuring Donald Trump returned last night, and it was as predictable as the weather in Florida. The sketch, starring Alec Baldwin as the former president, was a nostalgic trip down memory lane for those who remember when SNL's political satire felt fresh and biting. But let’s be honest, after years of watching the same tired jokes about Trump, even the most die-hard fans are starting to feel like they're stuck in a time loop.
Will Forte, known for his impeccable timing and deadpan delivery, made a brief cameo during the Weekend Update segment. His presence was a welcome distraction from the usual fare of Baldwin's impersonation. However, it’s clear that SNL is struggling to find new material when it comes to Trump. The sketch felt like a rehash of old jokes with a few new lines thrown in for good measure.
The cold open began with Baldwin's Trump stumbling into the Oval Office, looking disheveled and confused—much like how many viewers feel after watching SNL these days. He was greeted by a chorus of aides who were equally bewildered by his presence. The sketch then took an unexpected turn when it introduced a new character: a mysterious figure in a trench coat who claimed to be the "real" Trump, having swapped bodies with Baldwin's impersonation during a séance gone wrong. This twist was met with groans from the audience and predictable laughter from those who were still invested in SNL’s political satire.
The Weekend Update segment, hosted by Michael Che and Colin Jost, tried to inject some life into the show with their usual blend of wit and sarcasm. However, even they seemed a bit tired of the Trump narrative. They made a few jokes about the latest political scandals involving former administration officials but failed to capture the same energy that once defined SNL's coverage of current events.
Will Forte’s appearance was brief but memorable. He played a character who had been accidentally cloned and was now trying to find his way back home. The sketch was a clever nod to the absurdity of SNL’s reliance on Trump impersonations, suggesting that even in a world where clones run rampant, SNL still can't escape its obsession with the former president.
As the show drew to a close, it became clear that SNL is at a crossroads. The once-revered institution has become a shadow of its former self when it comes to political satire. While the Foo Fighters may have been the musical guest last night, their performance felt like a breath of fresh air compared to the stale political sketches. It’s time for SNL to move on from Trump and find new material that can capture the imagination of viewers once again.
Will Forte's cameo was a reminder that there is still talent within the SNL cast, but it’s up to them to break free from the constraints of political satire and explore other avenues. The show needs to evolve or risk becoming irrelevant in an era where news cycles move faster than ever before.
So, what do you think? Is SNL's reliance on Trump impersonations a sign of its inability to adapt, or is it simply a testament to the enduring fascination with the former president? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
